A/N: A quick thank you to everyone who added this story in their alerts and/or added it to their favorite list.

Chapter 9-

"Mrs. Black…this is the last one. Where should I put it?"

I shrugged in response, a small smile on my face as the kind teenager sent by the movers and packers I had hired, pushed the last of my boxes in my father's house. It was slightly embarrassing and definitely not expected to move back into my father's house this late in my life. But the sad reality was that I had nowhere to go. And at least Charlie's house offered me a roof on the head!

"Put it in my old bedroom; on the first floor." I responded. "And please call me Ms. Swan."

"Oh. Yes. Of course." He nervously ran a hand through his hair, shyly looking away.

It wasn't news to the town of Forks- or of La Push- that Jake and I had separated. We weren't officially divorced yet, but the papers had been filed, with the matter pending in the tribal court. And with Billy having a say in any tribal matter, our divorce was simply a matter of days now.

I still couldn't believe how easily Jake and Billy could abandon me and my kids. It hadn't taken them a second thought! Jacob simply wanted nothing to do with his children, Billy wholeheartedly supporting him in this. They had cut all ties with me, ordering me to leave their town. I couldn't believe I had given this man ten years of my life!

And Billy; instead of correcting his son, was now roaming around with Jake's new girlfriend, proclaiming that she was his long-lost daughter!

Why wouldn't he? She was Quileute after all! One of their own.

I was tired of crying. I was tired of begging Jake to change his decision. I don't even know what wrong I had done. I don't even know how it had all gone downhill. Jake and I had been happy…

I had loved him, and I had thought that he loved me, too.

How wrong had I been!

He had simply walked into the house one fine day, emotionlessly claiming that our marriage was over. He no longer loved me. He did not wish to stay a minute longer with me. No explanation was provided. He did not care enough to provide me with one.

That had been the end of my somewhat happy marriage. I was forced to pack my bags and leave the reservation. I was not one of their own; I could no longer reside there. Billy had even threatened to involve the tribal police if I didn't cooperate. Charlie had been furious; his best friend had betrayed him in the worst manner possible. But this was their law, and you really couldn't force someone to stay with you!

My poor babies; they were the innocent casualty in this mess. Their father no longer wished to see them, their only crime being a half of me. I had tried explaining this to them; it wasn't their fault. But after a point, I had nothing to say. Jake needed to be blamed for ruining our family. He had ended it with his own two hands.

He wished for a different family, and it seemed like he had achieved it….shattering my happiness and dreams in the process.

"Bells."

Charlie looked exhausted. He hadn't slept in days. It was a rude contrast; he had been planning his wedding, and now he was preparing for his daughter's divorce.

Who would have seen this one coming?

Kate hadn't come down from Alaska. I was glad for that. I did not have it in me to deal with her at the moment.

I needed a break. I needed to cope with these unexpected circumstances. I needed to rethink over my life, forming a plan for the future. I would need a job. I couldn't rely on Charlie for the rest of my life. Oh God. There were so many pending expenses! Isa's fifth birthday was coming up; she had asked for a trip to Disneyland as a birthday gift. I couldn't bear to disappoint her. But I did not even have the money needed to fulfil her wish! How was I going to manage it all?

I also needed to move out into my own place. Kate was planning to change Charlie into one of theirs post their marriage; where would I go then?

What was I supposed to do?

And how?

I did not know how to do this.

I needed my Jake.

Please.

I did not know how to live without him.

"Bells…I was thinking…" Charlie ran a hand through his untrimmed beard; I had never seen him with a beard this long. "I was talking to Kate and…"

I expressionlessly met his eyes; the life in me had left weeks ago. It seemed like I was simply existing now. For my kids.

"What do you think about going to Alaska for a few weeks? The kids need a change of scenery; you too could do with one. We can celebrate Isa's birthday there? It doesn't seem like Jacob will put in the minimal effort to make her day special; being here will simply break her tiny heart more."

No.

I did not want to leave Forks.

Jake would come back for me…

I just needed to be more patient and keep hope.

"I don't wish to impose."

"You won't be." Charlie assured. "Kate's family is very supportive. It will be a good break."

My mind said no. My heart said no. Yet, my lips said yes.

Charlie smiled, placing a call as the preparations for our visit began.